Summary
Brandon Berkson of Hotels Above Par shares useful advice for those who travel with ADHD — so, like him, they never have to miss a trip.
If there ever was a traveler you’d want to emulate, it would likely be Brandon Berkson. Since his youth, Berkson knew his calling was to travel the world.
“While all the other kids were playing baseball and soccer outside, I preferred playing ‘imaginary hotel,’ forcing my brother against his will to pretend he was a guest while I worked at the front desk,” Berkson explained. In a charming turn of events, he actually made that dream come true.
“I started my career as a bellboy at a boutique hotel in San Francisco, then worked at hotel and travel-oriented PR agencies in Paris, London, and New York City,” he shared. That is, until the pandemic hit, and he was furloughed. Rather than wallow, Berkson dove deeper into his passion for hotels and created Hotels Above Par, a website dedicated to the best boutique hotels and destinations around the globe, which also produces easily digestible three-minute articles designed for a busy millennial audience.
Berkson is certainly a well-traveled person, appreciating every global experience he has and seeking to share that joy with readers. He also happens to navigate these adventures with what he describes as severe Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
“I’ve had severe ADHD since I was a kid — and it can make life overwhelming, especially with my job. As a CEO, I wear 20 different hats and am always traveling,” he said. “With my ADHD, I’ve had to learn how to manage the incessant distractions, impulsiveness, and disorganization that come with the disorder.”
When it comes to travel, Berkson noted, he can sometimes feel all over the map, both physically and mentally.
“I zone out often on guided tours. For example, we’ll be at the Vatican, and while the tour guide is explaining something intriguing, I find myself thinking about what I ate for lunch yesterday. I’m fantastic at leaving items behind, from room keys on restaurant tables to forgetting one of my suitcases at JFK a few years ago after I physically collected it at baggage claim. Not one of my best moments,” he recounted.
Finally, he relayed something many with ADHD can relate to: “I’m a palpable procrastinator, so I’ve had to find ways of making my days more structured and efficient.”
However, this has never deterred him from pursuing his dream trips, thanks to a few tricks he’s learned. He shared them to help every kind of traveler, including those with ADHD.
Try Meditating
Berkson meditates for 15 minutes a day, which he finds helps to calm his mind. “I’ve done this on flights, in the passenger seat of cars, and in my hotel room by myself,” he said. “When you pick something specific to return to, it makes you more grounded. This method is effective compared to a ‘whatever comes to mind’ approach, as it can lead to distractions when you have ADHD.”
Have a Dedicated “Instagram Phone”
“I bought myself a cheap yesteryear-generation iPhone that I exclusively use for Instagram, nothing else,” he said, noting Instagram is a significant part of his daily work at Hotels Above Par. “With this boundary, I don’t get distracted by the procrastination-fueling app on my personal phone.”
Invest in a Few Apple Tiles
“With my ADHD, I often lose things,” Berkson mentioned. “To resolve this, I bought a Tile for my keys and wallet — this small square chip attaches to important items. If you can’t find them, you can ring them from the Tile application on your phone.”
When he travels, Berkson makes sure to bring the right type of bag to help him stay organized. “Buying a crossbody pack to collate my personal items has been a lifesaver,” he explained. “You don’t have to stuff your pockets with oversized items; the pack keeps them in one place.”
Find a Workout that Grounds You
When landing in a new destination, make time for a sweat session to find balance. Berkson finds hot yoga particularly beneficial. “Whenever I’m in a big city and feel scattered, I look for a Bikram Yoga studio where I can take a class. The heat and the experience can help you focus on your mind and body,” he said.
Write Things Down
Need to organize yourself before a trip? Grab a pen and paper and write a to-do list so you can check things off. “Call me old-fashioned, but I like to have them on a paper notepad,” Berkson stated.
Listen to Music
If you need to hit a few work deadlines before a trip, Berkson recommends finding your destination’s local music and listening while you work. He enjoys techno music, which studies suggest can be beneficial for ADHD. “Sometimes, to be thematic, I’ll look up a local DJ from the country I’m visiting,” he added.
Find Destinations that Suit Your Style
While Berkson loves urban environments, he acknowledges that sometimes “taking the time to reset somewhere slow and calming” is essential to refocus. His favorite boutique hotels are situated in serene places, such as Casa Angelina on the Amalfi Coast and Forestis in Italy.
In conclusion, these strategies can help travelers with ADHD enjoy their journeys fully, ensuring that they remain organized, focused, and able to cherish every moment without feelings of overwhelm.
